Convention Wrap-Up

I've been home from convention just under a week now. It was truly a wonderful and amazing experience. I'm so engergized with great new ideas for both projects and building my Stampin' Up! business. I'm absolutely inspired not only to craft but to put more energy into Stampin' Up! as a business so that I can be a better demonstrator and provide you with more resources.

I wasn't sure what to expect with my experience. I knew the Make and Takes would be great and the presentors would wow, but I was going in with roommates I found on Stampin' Connection (a demonstrator only bulletin board) so I had never met them in person before. Oh how God blessed me! I roomed with two wonderful ladies named Janet and Rose, both from California. Rose is a new mom (and just great at it) so she had her 6 month old son, Malachi, with her. What a joy to have a sweet baby boy to enjoy. It made me far less homesick to see his smiling face each day.




After we met up at the airport, we headed to our hotel, got checked in and then headed out to the convention center. There was a bit of thunder, lightening and rain but it didn't dampen our spirits. I was so excited to check in and get my bag full of goodies. Our convention bags included 3 stamp sets and a wheel, plus our convention literature and additional catalogs. I also got a pin that says, "My First Convention."



We were all starving but when we saw Momento Mall had no lines, hunger seemed to no longer matter. I made some great purchases, including a craft tote with matching laptop bag. This was a particularly special treat because my dear friend, Diana, gave me money to take with me to spend on me and me alone. YEA! I love the colors. I also picked up some cute reusable shopping bags. If you like these bags, you'll want to host a show in August. All hostesses with a minimum of $150 in sales will earn one of these bags. I only have a limited quanity so book your shows soon so you don't miss out.







The first night we had a Flower Power party full of great music and crazy flower power games. I dressed for the occasion in the costume that Tim found at the party supply store for $5. What a great husband to go out and find me a costume so I'd be eligible to win a prize. Of course, there were some costumes that far exceeded mine in creativity so no prize for me, but I still had fun.




The next three days were a whirlwind of classes, SWAPs, make and takes, demonstrations, and so much more. It was just simply amazing! On the final day, I was able to meet Shelli Gardner, CEO. I took some pictures, including the one I previously posted where Shelli was so generous as to hold a sign saying "Hi" to Tessa. She signed it and Tessa was so excited to get it.







Each general session, they had marches across the stage recognizing anniversaries, sales achievements, incentive trip winners and more. I was inspired to reach new heights in my Stampin' Up! career. Instead of passively wishing I could win an incentive trip, I've decided to actively seek it and make it my goal. The incentive trip for this year- Disneyworld. Those that meet sales and recruiting goals in 2010-2011 will be hanging with Mickey in 2012. I plan to be there.





Convention wrapped up with one final treat from Stampin' Up! - We were each given a package of Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad, Glitter and a new hostess stamp set from the Holiday Mini. I can't show a picture of these items until August 1 as they are part of the upcoming mini and demonstrators are asked not to post any images of new merchandise/stamp sets until the pre-order period begins. I know you will love them though and I'm looking forward to sharing them with you.

I'll be posting the Make and Take projects soon. Again, due to the restrictions regarding posting of images, some will not be posted until after August 1.

So, join me soon to see all my SWAPS and here more about convention. Next year, you'll want to be there too!

God Bless and Happy Stampin!
Charity



- Posted from my iPhone